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Fast food, gas station plans stir community

Times Staff Writer
Published February 6, 2004

WESLEY CHAPEL - Leaders in the Meadow Pointe II community will fight efforts to put a gas station and fast-food restaurant on land across the street from the clubhouse at the corner of County Line Road and Mansfield Drive.

The Community Development District Board unanimously approved a resolution opposing the projects at its meeting on Wednesday night. About 20 residents also promised to circulate petitions against the projects.

Developers say the corner is a logical place for a gas station/minimart, fast-food restaurant, offices and bank. County Line Road draws 12,000 car trips a day through Meadow Pointe. More traffic arrives when builders extend Mansfield north to State Road 56.

Board members and residents did not oppose the bank and offices but said a gas station might be an environmental hazard and would cause noise and more traffic. The fast-food and convenience store would become a hangout for teenagers, they said.

The land already is zoned for stores, but landowner Trout Creek Development LLC has asked for a conditional-use permit for the proposed 3,443-square-foot combination gas station/convenience store. The matter could come before the Pasco County Planning Commission as early as March.

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